Before leaving the Land of Snow, Kimimaro prepared a bloodline gene agent infused with the Uzumaki bloodline for Kazahana Koyuki.
Due to Koyuki's unique constitution and the prior effects of the Ice Release agent—which only activated latent physical potential rather than awakening a Kekkei Genkai—her body remained compatible with another bloodline, so long as it wasn't a conflicting Kekkei Genkai.
Kimimaro had considered granting her either the Uzumaki bloodline or the Sage Body. However, after attempting the Sage Body himself, he realized it placed enormous physical and spiritual strain on the user. The Uzumaki bloodline, with its powerful life force and enhanced chakra, was a more stable and compatible option for Koyuki.
This time, Kimimaro didn't use Karin's blood as a base, but Fubo's. Although Fubo's bloodline purity wasn't as high as Karin's, it was still of Uzumaki origin. The only downside was that activation required a larger amount of life energy, which could be compensated by some of Fubo's own chakra.
Kimimaro had previously absorbed a portion of Fubo's life force, but as expected of the Uzumaki, she had recovered within a few days. After refining the concoction using catalyzed life energy, Kimimaro completed a potent version of the gene agent for Koyuki.
"With steady training, reaching the level of a jōnin won't be an issue for you in the future," he told her.
His words were also directed at Fubo. Now completely loyal to him, she was bound to receive a bloodline enhancement in due time. However, as Fubo didn't exhibit any glaring weaknesses, Kimimaro had yet to decide which bloodline would best complement her.
During their journey back to the Land of Vegetables, Kimimaro and Fubo weren't idle. In addition to their deepening personal relationship, they also focused on enhancing Fubo's chakra absorption techniques.
She could now absorb chakra through more than just her mouth—specifically, through her hair.
Drawing inspiration from ninjutsu in Orochimaru's archives, Kimimaro refined a direction for Fubo's development. "You can conceal your real body within your hair," he explained. "But your hair must not become a liability. Orochimaru's Body Shedding Technique (Kawarimi no Jutsu, modified) can serve as a reference point. If your hair can replicate, regenerate, and act as an appendage, it can function both offensively and defensively—chakra absorption is just a secondary trait."
"You're incredible," Fubo admitted. "I never imagined hair could be used like that."
Kimimaro increasingly valued her. Fubo had a broad skill set and even a grasp of scientific reasoning—qualities rare among his subordinates. She would be vital to the comprehensive growth of his future forces.
By the time they returned to the Land of Vegetables, over a month had passed since their departure. Their journey had taken them through several territories.
"Hanabi has grown taller," Kimimaro remarked.
"Really? Big Brother, have I gotten prettier too?" she asked brightly.
"Of course. My little Hanabi will grow up to be beautiful."
In another timeline without Kimimaro, the most admired young woman of her generation was Hyuga Hanabi. But here, Hanabi had a very different future ahead.
Back in the capital, more people had come to welcome Kimimaro than ever before—his influence had expanded significantly. Alongside his original allies such as Jūgo, Guren, and Suigetsu, new faces had joined him: Subaru and Hokuto representing the Star Ninja of the Land of Bears; Taketori Chikurin and his clan; and Yomaru, a leader among the rogue ninja.
Jūgo had even returned with several hundred more rogue ninja from the Land of Claws and the Land of Fangs.
Kimimaro convened a large meeting, including Fubo, Fudō, Fūen, Chikurin, and Yomaru.
"Guren, Jūgo—you two will be responsible for managing the newly joined rogue ninja. Fubo, support their daily training."
He continued, "Karashi has already developed a portable version of Life Curry. It's not ready for mass production yet, but it's a solid step forward. Fubo, lend him your advice and expertise."
It wasn't favoritism—Kimimaro lacked research-oriented ninja, and Fubo, for now, could fill that gap.
"Karin, keep expanding the medical team. Identify capable candidates from the new recruits—especially those with potential in medical ninjutsu or sensor abilities. Also, take over supervision of Suigetsu's intelligence network. Ranmaru has matured and will assist. Yomaru, back them up. Suigetsu is... less than diligent."
"As you command, my lord!" Yomaru declared with fervor—he was the first among the rogue ninja to genuinely pledge himself to Kimimaro.
"What about me?" Hanabi piped up.
"Be good. If you want to help, follow Big Brother Jūgo and Sister Guren to train the new ninja."
"Okay!"
Fudō and Fūen watched silently, waiting for their orders. They were the only ones who hadn't received assignments yet—aside from Haruna (as Daimyō) and Chikurin (as clan head and distant kin), who were exempt from ninja duties.
"We're ready to contribute as well, my lord," Fudō said, fearing he and Fūen might be deemed obsolete.
"No need to worry. You two can assist Guren and Jūgo in securing the capital's defenses. You'll also be deployed on external missions in due time."
"But first," Kimimaro added, "you need to participate in a different kind of preparation. You'll be attending lessons with the civilian students—alongside representatives from the Star Ninja, the Taketori Clan, and other groups."
"Lessons?" they asked, confused.
"Yes. To truly become one with our cause, you must understand our values—and be able to teach them to others. Learning side-by-side with civilians is the first step to unity."
They finally understood.
Fubo, however, raised an eyebrow. "What about me? Do I need to attend classes too?"
"You've already got your hands full," Kimimaro replied. "You can just listen to me directly."
Everyone glanced at Fubo with subtle, knowing expressions.
Yomaru, standing nearby, remained quiet. He understood that Kimimaro's decision not to assign him specific studies meant he had already earned a level of trust.
That trust wasn't based on strength—it was the recognition of shared ideals.
Yomaru was sharp. Unlike many rogue ninja who only began to earnestly engage with the curriculum of the Land of Vegetables' new shinobi academies after receiving direct orders from Kimimaro, Yomaru had always known where his responsibilities lay.
After the meeting, Kimimaro used his life energy to catalyze a Lava Release bloodline gene agent, personally handing it to Guren.
"You and Jugo have been putting in serious work lately," Kimimaro said. "Now that you've awakened both Fire and Earth affinities, Lava Release should come naturally. If you train well, reaching Jōnin level in a year or two isn't unrealistic."
Guren's eyes lit up with visible excitement. Who wouldn't be eager to grow stronger?
Later, Kimimaro pulled Jugo aside. "Jugo, I heard you and Guren are… together now?"
Jugo's face flushed red. "I-I mean… that… yeah, kind of."
Kimimaro folded his arms. "Are you planning to get married? Hold a proper ceremony?"
Jugo hesitated. "Marriage? But we're already together… Isn't that enough? You didn't exactly hold a wedding, did you?"
Kimimaro sighed and rubbed his forehead. "That's different. I'm… juggling multiple commitments. If you're planning to follow that path too, maybe you can skip the formalities."
He noticed Guren nearby, her posture suddenly alert as she subtly leaned closer, clearly listening in.
"Marriage. Definitely marriage," Jugo blurted out quickly.
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